ENGLAND'S SAVING GRACE

But Hampton had to battle a serious eye condition and deal with retirement of Euro 2022 favourite Earps to be the country's hero in her Swiss role

- Tom Victor in Basel

ENGLAND'S saviour Hannah Hampton has endured a journey to the top that has been anything but straightforward.

The goalkeeper, 24, saved two penalties in Sunday's final shootout against Spain as the Lionesses defended their European crown.

She also made big stops from Esther Gonzalez and Claudia Pina in normal time.

The Chelsea No.1 justified Sarina Wiegman's call to make her England's first choice ahead of Mary Earps, even if some did not agree with the decision at the time.

Those were big shoes to fill, but it was no problem for Hampton.

However, a medical condition might have halted Hampton's football career even before it started.

She had been diagnosed with strabismus, an eye condition which affects depth perception, but that did not stop her chasing her dream.